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    Boot Up Problem

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by M1I9K8E9, Apr 22, 2008.

  1. M1I9K8E9

    M1I9K8E9 Notebook Geek

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    I have an old hp 512w desktop that i wanted to install ubuntu on, but it wont boot. A few months ago it would boot windows xp but would freeze, but now when i start it up it makes a bunch of beeps and everything sounds normal but nothing shows up on the monitor. There is nothing wrong with the monitor i checked the connections and tried two different monitors and i know both work. Does anyone have any suggestions? ( Also it is old and i dont use it anymore so i am willing to open it up and try and fix it myself if someone can tell me what to do.)
     
    M1I9K8E9, Apr 22, 2008
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  2. goofball

    goofball Notebook Deity

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    I would open it up, and look for bad capacitors (leaking, bulging). If that looks ok, then perhaps start disconnecting items not needed for POSTing.
     
    goofball, Apr 23, 2008
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  3. deputy963

    deputy963 Notebook Evangelist

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    What is the beep sequence?
     
    deputy963, Apr 23, 2008
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  4. M1I9K8E9

    M1I9K8E9 Notebook Geek

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    Im not sure of the sequence it goes by really fast, from what ive read on other sites im thinking it could be the video card. I dont know much about the mechanics of a pc so correct me if im wrong. ( i could record the sequence and try to post it if you think it would be helpful)
     
    M1I9K8E9, Apr 23, 2008
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  5. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Shyster1, Apr 23, 2008
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  6. M1I9K8E9

    M1I9K8E9 Notebook Geek

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    I recorded it and then slowed it down in windows media player and i am pretty sure it is 1-4-1-1 i searched it on google and i think it is "RAM failure on data bits of high byte of memory bus." You can listen to it here http://www.soundupload.com/audio/6yglb3p1khr7jx9
     
    M1I9K8E9, Apr 23, 2008
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  7. timtravel42

    timtravel42 Notebook Virtuoso

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    do you get anything on screen?
    its probably bad RAM
     
    timtravel42, Apr 23, 2008
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  8. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Try removing and reseating the RAM sticks to see if that helps at all - it probably won't, but it's a cheap and (fairly) easy way to test and, if it works, no need to go spending a lot of $$.
     
    Shyster1, Apr 23, 2008
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  9. M1I9K8E9

    M1I9K8E9 Notebook Geek

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    It was the RAM, after i looked up the code and it said RAM error i figured it wouldnt hurt to pull the RAM and when i did i was covered with dust after i blew it off and popped it back in the computer started just fine. Thanks for the suggestions this was the first time i ever opened a computer and fixed it, im actually quite proud of myself even though i was something really simple.
     
    M1I9K8E9, Apr 23, 2008
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  10. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Dust can be a killer - just remember the killer (dusty) bunny from Holy Grail!
    [​IMG]
     
    Shyster1, Apr 23, 2008
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